Maintenance during DP operations leads to an undesired event
- DP Event
- Published on 13 June 2019
- Generated on 9 May 2025
- DPE 02/19
- 1 minute read
Undesired event
The duty Engineer did not inform Bridge/DPOs of maintenance on the header tank of the stern thruster.
Comments
The oil level gauge was not reading the actual level. The duty Engineer did not inform Bridge/DPO`s of maintenance on the header tank of stern thruster.
Future instruction was that the engine room would inform the bridge of scope of work of any maintenance to be carried out whilst the vessel was on DP operations.
Considerations
- IMCA stresses the importance of sound operational activity planning, full understanding by all key DP personnel of the activity specific operating guidelines (ASOG) would have assisted in managing the operation.
- DP operations encompass the whole vessel and all personnel need to be trained as part of a team.
- Standing orders should stress that no maintenance is undertaken during DP operations.
- In exceptional circumstances and following a capability analysis maintenance could be considered. However, a permit to work (PTW) system should be used that involves and informs all departments.
Latest DP incidents
-
Complete the job
Whilst connected to a turbine, an alarm was generated on the DP operator station, ‘Unbalanced load on SWBD 1’.
DPE 01/25
16 January 2025
Undesired event
-
Beware your centre of rotation
The stern thrusters started to oscillate which transferred to an oscillating motion of the vessel and high forces were being used to try to maintain position.
DPE 01/25
16 January 2025
Incident
-
A-Tension
Whilst pipelaying in shallow water, the vessel experienced a tension sensor failure on one tensioner.
DPE 01/25
16 January 2025
-
How is your alignment?
Loss of the CyScan position reference system generated a reference system failure alarm and moments later the vessel began to lose position with the accompanying alarms.
DPE 01/25
16 January 2025
Incident
-
DP Drill Scenario
DP emergency drill scenarios are included to assist DP vessel management, DPOs / Engineers, and ETOs in conducting DP drills onboard.
DPE 01/25
16 January 2025
Drill Scenario
The case studies and observations above have been compiled from information received by IMCA. All vessel, client, and operational data has been removed from the narrative to ensure anonymity. Case studies are not intended as guidance on the safe conduct of operations, but rather to assist vessel managers, DP operators, and technical crew.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information, but it is not liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
Any queries should be directed to DP team at IMCA. Share your DP incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive DP event bulletins straight to your email.